Estate Planning
Chino Hills Estate Planning Attorneys
Living trusts, wills, and powers of attorney for Chino Hills families. Free consultation. Flat fees from $2,500, quoted in writing.
Chino Hills
Higher home values, bigger probate costs
Chino Hills home values are among the highest in the area, which makes probate especially costly here. A home worth about $975,000, close to a typical Chino Hills home value, would generate about $45,000 in statutory attorney and executor fees if it passed through probate, figured before any mortgage is subtracted.
San Bernardino County Superior Court hears probate cases from the west end of the county at its Fontana Courthouse, and a typical case takes 9 to 18 months. A properly funded living trust lets your successor trustee act without a court case.
For married couples, how title is held matters. Community property can receive a full step-up in tax basis when the first spouse dies, which can sharply reduce capital gains if the survivor later sells. Our guide to the step-up in basis for spouses explains how.
Our office is in Corona, a short drive down the 71, and we handle the consultation and planning meetings remotely. Every plan is designed and drafted by a Montanez Yu attorney.
Probate by the numbers
What probate would cost in Chino Hills
01
About $975,000
A typical Chino Hills home value in recent Zillow estimates. Probate fees are figured on that full value, before any mortgage is subtracted.
02
About $45,000
Statutory attorney and executor fees combined if that home passes through probate, before court costs, appraisal, and publication.
03
9 to 18 months
A typical formal probate, per the California courts. With a funded living trust, your successor trustee can act without a court case.
04
From $2,500
Our flat fee for a complete plan for one person; $3,000 for a married couple, quoted in writing. See what it covers.
Common questions
Chino Hills estate planning questions
Will my family owe estate tax?
Probably not. California has no estate or inheritance tax, and the federal estate tax reaches only very large estates. For most Chino Hills families, probate fees and delay are the bigger costs.
What does a plan cost?
Our flat fee for a complete plan starts at $2,500 for an individual and $3,000 for a married couple, quoted in writing before any work begins. The consultation is free. See what the flat fee covers.
Do I have to come to Corona?
No. We handle the consultation and planning meetings remotely, so you can work with us from home.
We hold title in joint tenancy. Is that enough?
It avoids probate when the first owner dies, but not when the survivor dies, and for married couples it can cost a tax advantage. Our guide to joint tenancy and trusts explains why.
How does a trust provide for a surviving spouse?
The survivor usually keeps full control. Some couples add a marital trust so the survivor is provided for while the first spouse’s share is protected for their children. See how a marital trust works.
Do you speak Spanish?
Yes. Se habla español. Tell us when you call and we will arrange it.